This Easy Moist Banana Bread is a tasty treat that even beginners can whip up with ease! With ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s super comforting.
Honestly, I love how my kitchen smells while it’s baking. Plus, you can enjoy it warm with butter or a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The bananas need to be very ripe for the best flavor and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Butter: Melted butter gives a nice richness. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute with applesauce or vegetable oil, but it may change the flavor a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but brown sugar adds extra moisture and flavor. You could also use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but adjust liquid ingredients as needed.
Egg: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can replace it with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Stays Moist?
Keeping your banana bread moist mainly comes from the way you mix and bake it. First, ensure you don’t overmix after adding the flour. Mix just until combined. This helps avoid dense bread.
- Use ripe bananas; they are sweeter and add moisture.
- Stick to the baking time suggested, and check with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect.
- Let the bread cool properly to retain its moisture but don’t let it sit too long in the pan, as that can create steam and sogginess.
Easy Moist Banana Bread Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60 to 65 minutes to bake, plus about 10 minutes to cool in the pan. A total of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and then you’re ready to enjoy your delicious banana bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your banana bread bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
3. Mix in the Butter
Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas. This will add richness and moisture to the bread.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in the granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Mix everything well until combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle the baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon over the banana mixture. Gently fold these in with a spatula or wooden spoon until they are blended together.
6. Mix in the Flour
Now, add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool in the Pan
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove.
10. Transfer and Slice
Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy!
Enjoy your moist, delicious banana bread!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great for banana bread. Just thaw them in the fridge or microwave, and then mash them. They may be a bit more watery, so slightly reduce other liquids if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after mixing the flour in to keep the bread moist.
What If My Bread Comes Out Too Dense?
A dense banana bread can be a result of overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Be sure to mix just until combined, and check your baking time as well; it may need a bit longer or shorter in the oven.
